James Bond has been branded a traitor by his own government. As M sends the entire 00 division after 007, Bond must go underground with only one ally: Gwendolyn Gann, 003 – another traitor, presumed dead, secretly on a clandestine mission with global implications. 007: For King and Country #1 is the second chapter in Bond’s return and he’s now on the run.
Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, 007: For King and Country #1 continues the story that began with the six-issue series 007. Myrmidon has made huge steps becoming a global military force, one that’s been accepted by world governments. Bond and Gann have been revealed as double agents, accused of spying for the corporation and traitors to their country. Now, they’re lying low in an attempt to survive as everyone seems to be after them. 007: For King and Country #1 delivers a debut that’s full of global implications and lots of paranoia.
Johnson does an excellent job of keeping the story from the previous volume going but also creating a debut that is welcoming to new readers. You’re caught up as to where things stand while also not being bogged down with too many details. The issue also delivers action and really focuses on what’s to come and the real threat is. It’s the moments after the slick opening for a Bond film that really kicks things off instead of just delivering high octane action.
The art by Giorgio Spalletta is solid. With color by Francesco Segala, color assist by Agnese Pozza, and lettering by Jeff Eckleberry, the comic is able to mix action as well as quieter paranoia. From an opening that feels like a big budget sequence, the comic shifts to the duo hiding out but it’s all presented in a way that’s tense and makes you wonder what will happen next. You trust no one and through art that’s rather sparse as far as people, it allows you to focus on each person presented and each setting and wonder if anything will happen.
007: For King and Country #1 is an entertaining opening that puts Bond in an interesting position. It’s one we’ve seen before to some extent but with how things are presented, it’s never quite felt to this level. Add in how the issue wraps up, and this is a new series where it feels like everything is on the table and no one can be trusted. It’s Bond on his own versus the world.
Story: Phillip Kennedy Johnson Art: Giorgio Spalletta
Color: Francesco Segala Color Assistant: Agnese Pozza Letterer: Jeff Eckleberry
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy
Dynamite Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle
